Stable platform for motor vehicles

This application is a continuation application claiming priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/702,180 filed 1 May 2015, and titled “STABLE PLATFORM FOR MOTOR VEHICLES”, presently pending and incorporated by reference. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/702,180 claims priority to provisional application No. 61/987,874 filed May 2, 2014 and is hereby also incorporated by reference.

The present invention relates to a retractable platform moveable from a stowed position beneath a vehicle and an operable position extending beyond the vehicle. More particularly, the invention relates to pickup trucks, wherein the platform needs to extend beyond the open tailgate and yet remain stable and safe. The platform is selectively locked in prescribed positions and requires deliberate action to unlock.

The need for a step for assistance into a vehicle has long been recognized, as illustrated by the running board typically found on older pickup trucks and by accordion-type steps which collapse inside a motor home or trailer. It has further been recognized that oftentimes, pets need assistance to get into or out of vehicles such as SUV s or pickup trucks and yet such apparatus needs to be out of the way when not in use.

Prior art which recognized the above needs is illustrated by U.S. Pat. No. 6,935,647 granted to Knodle et al on Aug. 30, 2005, which discloses a stowable step formed of a unitary element pivotably but removably secured to the receiver of a trailer hitch. The step is locked in its selected position.

Another stowable platform is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,025,365 granted to Bang et al on Apr. 11, 2006. This disclosure illustrates a platform that is removably secured to a trailer hitch secured in the stowed position beneath the vehicle or in the extended position, but further is capable of further extension or elevation.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,204,501 discloses a universal stowable step which can be adjusted upon installation to accommodate a large variety of vehicles, adaptable to fit different trailer hitch sizes and vehicles of differing heights. Stability and security are enhanced.

With the above-noted prior art in mind, the present invention provides a stowable platform for pickup trucks which is lighter in weight, has fewer parts and is adjustable in height to accommodate differing vehicle clearances to accommodate spare tires, exhaust systems or the like.

Further, the present invention provides a stable retractable platform for pickup trucks, wherein the securement feature is enhanced, more user-friendly and requires deliberate action to unlock.

FIG. 1 shows a partially exploded view of a step, according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 shows the step in FIG. 1 in an extended position, according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 3 shows the step in FIG. 1 in an intermediate position, according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 4 shows the step in FIG. 1 in another intermediate position, according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 5 shows a sectional view of an inboard latching structure of the step in FIG. 1 , according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 6 shows a partially exploded view of a platform latching structure of the step in FIG. 1 , according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 7 shows a sectional view of the platform latching structure in FIG. 6 , according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 8 shows the step in FIG. 2 attached to a vehicle, according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 9 shows the step in FIG. 3 attached to a vehicle, according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 10 shows the step in FIG. 1 attached to a vehicle and in a position in which the step's platform extends underneath the vehicle, according to an embodiment of the invention.

As seen in FIG. 1 , the stable retractable platform comprises a platform 2 stabilized and reinforced by framework 4 pivotably mounted on a shaft 6 and locked in the desired position by a mechanism to be explained hereinafter.

The shaft 6 is fixedly secured to a hollow beam or arm 8 which is pivotably secured to an inboard latching mechanism 10 , to be explained hereinafter, which is removably secured to a trailer hitch receiving tube (not shown) by rearwardly extending tube 12 . It is to be noted that latching mechanism 10 is secured to the end of tube 12 by threaded fasteners 14 which are selectively secured in bores 16 , permitting vertical adjustment.

Reference is now had to FIG. 2 , wherein the platform 2 is deployed in a position which would extend beyond an open pickup tailgate. Arm or beam 8 as well as platform 2 are in their outermost position, where they would be locked for stability and security.

FIG. 3 depicts the platform in a partially deployed position. Arm or beam 8 is extended and locked, but platform 2 has not been extended but is locked. It is to be understood that the platform is safe to use in this position, such as when the tailgate is not open.

FIG. 4 depicts the platform in transition between that shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 .

As best seen in FIG. 5 , beam or arm 8 is pivotably mounted to shaft 12 , which is inserted into the trailer hitch receptacle (not shown) by locking mechanism 10 . Arm 8 is secured to rotatable shaft 18 , washer 20 interfacing the fixed portion. Locking shaft 22 , which is spring-biased to the downward position, controlled by handle 24 , is locked in bore 26 in the extended position or in bore 28 in the retracted position. Shaft or arm 8 rotates 180° between the two positions.

Reference is now had to FIGS. 6 and 7 , wherein the platform latching mechanism is illustrated. The platform 2 is rotated about shaft 30 secured to beam or arm 8 and latched in position by latch 32 and key 34 . The latch 32 is keyed into disc 36 , which is pinned to shaft 30 by pins 38 . The entire assembly is protected by cap 40 and dust cover 42 . T release the platform, the latch 32 must be lifted.

Thus, as can be seen, the present invention provides a safe, lightweight extendable platform which is easily secured beneath the vehicle but is extendable beyond a lowered tailgate.

Although a preferred embodiment of the invention has been disclosed for purposes of illustration, it should be understood that various changes, modifications and substitutions may be incorporated in the embodiment without departing from the spirit of the invention, which is defined by the claims which follow.